The Chi Chi Rodriguez sports and family complex in Clearwater has a driving range and practice facility.

Given the choice, most golfers would rather spend a sunny day on a neatly manicured course than pounding balls at a driving range. But if they really want to shave strokes off their game, they have to start with practice.

Sometimes it's better to spend time hitting irons and drivers and practicing 5-footers than losing balls on a course. A tee time or a scorecard isn't needed at a practice facility. And practice can be fit in before or after work in less than an hour.

Not all practice facilities are created equal. Certain criteria make some stand out from others.

The range: It should be full-sized, which allows golfers to hit every club in the bag, including driver. It should also have accurate yardage markers and, ideally, greens to aim at for golfers. The tee boxes should be grass, or the range should at least have a higher percentage of grass tees over artificial turf.

The greens: The facility should have not only a practice putting green but a chipping green as well. And ideally the chipping green should have a sand trap. Shots are saved around the green, and having a place to practice the short game is invaluable for a golfer looking to shave strokes.

The instructors: A serious practice facility has teaching professionals who are available for private lessons. The facility also should offer lessons for groups and juniors.

The amenities: Some of the best ranges have little things that set them apart. Some have covered tee boxes. Some have metal stands for propping up a bag. Some have pro shops that offer services from equipment to club repair.

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